NDP candidate Larry O'Connor takes second place in Durham byelection

Conservative Erin O'Toole new MP for Durham riding

NDP's Larry O'Connor welcomed by supporters

BOWMANVILLE -- Larry O'Connor, NDP candidate for the Federal Durham Riding, was welcomed by supporters, including Daniel Faria, left, at Hanc's Restaurant on Nov. 26. Conservative candidate Erin O'Toole took the seat, vacated by Bev Oda, in the byelection. November 26, 2012

NDP's Larry O'Connor welcomed by supporters

Celia Klemenz / Metroland

BOWMANVILLE -- Larry O'Connor, NDP candidate for the Federal Durham Riding, was welcomed by supporters, including with a hug by Lorei De Los Reyes, at Hanc's Restaurant on Nov. 26. Conservative candidate Erin O'Toole took the seat, vacated by Bev Oda, in the byelection. November 26, 2012

Mr. O'Toole claimed more than 12,000 votes while the NDP party followed behind with more than 6,000.

And while Mr. O'Connor will not be the MP for Durham riding, representing residents of Scugog, Clarington and Uxbridge in Ottawa, he remained positive and his supporters celebrated late into the night.

"We ran a good campaign, we did not bring it down but we spoke the truth and people deserve a credible alternative," said Mr. O'Connor, in an interview. "Their (Conservatives) numbers are down and we won a considerable amount of polls, which is important to recognize."

Mr. O'Connor did not seem overly surprised that the Conservatives collected the majority of votes but noted that former MP Bev Oda "tarnished" her image as well as the image of many other MPs.

"I have been told that this is a very Conservative riding. Anything is possible, change is possible. The numbers indicate that change can happen," he said. "People were looking for change and they got it. We showed that Harper can be beat, I am incredibly proud."